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Because we have had many questions and figure others do too, we decided to dig deep and find the answers about the differences in carrier oils and how to choose one for your needs.

What are carrier oils, and how are they used?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels, or the nuts. Carrier oils are used to dilute and “carry” an essential oil into the skin during topical application.

What is the difference between essential oils and carrier oils?

“Essential oils are the volatile liquids that are distilled from plants (including their respective parts such as seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit, etc.)” (Modern Essentials™, p. 6). Because essential oils are volatile, they will evaporate when exposed to air.

“A carrier oil refers to a vegetable oil, wax, fat, or other oil that an essential oil is mixed with. The carrier oil ‘carries’ the essential oil and dilutes it so its effects can be spread over a larger area” (Modern Essentials™, inside front cover). As mentioned above, carrier oils are pressed from the fatty portions of a plant. Carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

Can carrier oils go bad?

Yes. Because carrier oils are pressed from the fatty portions of a plant, they often contain essential fatty acids that, although very beneficial to our body, also contribute to a short shelf life. Because carrier oils vary in their ratio and the specific essential fatty acids they contain, their shelf life also varies. The level of natural fatty acids, tocopherols (vitamin E compounds found in many carrier oils), method of extraction, and other characteristics of an oil can all affect how quickly it becomes rancid.

How can you tell if a carrier oil is rancid?

Carrier oils, in general, should have a soft aroma. If you find your carrier oil has a strong, bitter aroma, it has likely gone rancid. The best way to tell is to compare the odor with the odor of the same carrier oil that is fresh.

How do I store my carrier oils?

Most carrier oils (avocado oil excluded) can be stored in the refrigerator to prolong shelf life. Some oils stored in the refrigerator may solidify or become cloudy and need to be returned to room temperature prior to use. Avocado oil should never be stored in the refrigerator because it contains many important, fragile constituents that can be affected by lower temperatures.

Some carrier oils that are less fragile and have a longer shelf can be stored at a cool room temperature.

How do I use the solid butters?

Our butters are solid at room temperature, so you will need to break off chunks and heat them up to get the measurements you need. The best way to melt the butters is to use a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing the butter in a glass dish over a pan with an inch of boiling water. It is important to use low heat for most carrier oils and butter so you don’t alter their constituents. Do not microwave carrier oils or butters.

Shea butter, however, can become gritty if not melted and cooled properly. Heat shea butter to at least 175º F for at least 20 minutes. If possible, let it cool in the refrigerator. After it is cooled, store your shea butter at room temperature.

General Safety Information

Use caution when trying any new ingredient, including carrier oils, on the skin or in the hair. Those with nut allergies should consult their medical practitioner before coming into contact with nut oils, butters, or other nut products. Also, latex (a natural rubber) is a natural constituent of shea butter. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to latex, avoid shea butter or perform a skin-patch test prior to use. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Essential Oil Solid Perfume Locket

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Pack grated beeswax or beeswax pellets into a Tablespoon-size measuring spoon until it is packed level with the top; then dump the beeswax into a heat-proof glass measuring cup (such as a Pyrex™ brand measuring cup).

Add 3 Tablespoons of jojoba oil to the beeswax.

Place the measuring cup in a large sauce pan that is filled with 1″ of hot water.

Place the sauce pan and measuring cup on the stove, and turn the burner on low.

Stir the mixture in the measuring cup with a Popsicle stick or bamboo skewer every couple of minutes until the beeswax is completely melted (about 15–20 minutes).

Turn off the stove, and carefully remove the measuring cup from the pan. Place the measuring cup on a towel on a countertop or table.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then stir in 90–120 drops of your desired essential oil or blend. Note: You may find it easier to pre-measure the essential oil in another container and add it all at once.

Quickly pour the mixture into the lockets. This recipe will fill three or four lockets, depending on size.

Allow mixture to cool for several hours before wearing the locket. To use, take a small amount of the solid perfume from the locket with your finger, and place it on the wrists, the neck, or any other location on the skin that is desired.